A Study on the Covergence of Ethnic Groups Post the Sambas Conflict: How do People in Singkawang City Manage the Assimilation Pattern of Their Multiple Ethnicities

Abstract

Indonesia's ethnic plurality is a fact in the life of mankind. Pluralism with regard to difference and diversity as a nature that should be celebrated and assembled into a force to build harmony and become social capital and adhesive remedy preserve the harmony of society. However, on the other hand, the plurality can be a big threat that holds the potential for conflict if it is not recognized by society.

By understanding the plurality, then the public can observe, appreciate and understand otherness that exist. It is already practiced by Hezbollah Jamaat community in Singkawang. Ethnic and religious differences are not the only cause of the dispute, but also determined by many factors, such as economic injustice and unfair policies in society (Alqadrie, 2000). Officers and members of the Muslim Jamaat (JM) in Singkawang no longer question the ethnic, social and economic status, but they respect and appreciate the differences in daily life. The difference would not lead to more controversy but in the absence of multicultural character, which does not appreciate and respect differences.

Jamaat community in Hezbollah, cultural understanding between the ethnic with other ethnicities has been intensified and sustained so as to minimize the potential emergence of social conflict between ethnic groups in various regions in Indonesia.

In this paper described briefly how assimilation strategies that they develop in order to maintain inter-ethnic harmony. They play an active role in a variety of peaceful resolution and conflict prevention. Thus, the community can take part directly in establishing the nation's unity and integrity of both religious, economic, social and cultural

Keywords: Assimilation, Muslim Jamaat Singkawang.